Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, partnered with Bellamy Young, actress in ABC’s hit show “Scandal,” The Headache Alliance, and the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy to announce their coordinated work to introduce the HEADACHE Act, the first standalone federal legislation addressing the epidemic of migraine and headache disorders. The legislation will expand research, improve access to care, and address systemic inequities affecting people living with headache disorders.

“Headache disorders affect nearly 45 million people in the U.S., including more than 117,000 people in the district I represent,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Behind each of those numbers is a student falling behind in school, a parent fighting to stay employed, or a veteran enduring chronic, debilitating pain. I’m proud to lead the introduction of the HEADACHE Act, a much-needed step toward expanding care, advancing research, and raising awareness for this often-overlooked condition. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind simply because their pain is invisible.”

“Migraine has shaped not only how I work, but how I move through this world, and I know I’m not alone. For too many, living with a headache disorder means being doubted, dismissed, and left out of the conversation. But those who suffer deserve better. The HEADACHE Act is about building the future we should’ve had all along: one with research, access to care, and understanding. I'm proud to raise my voice for a cause that touches so many millions of Americans,” said Bellamy Young, actress and migraine advocate.

More than 40 million Americans are living with migraine and headache disorders, which are the leading cause of disability in the world and for women under 50 years old in the United States. Cluster headache, new daily persistent headache, post-traumatic headache, and other migraine disorders are disabling, stigmatized, and routinely overlooked in public health priorities and research funding.

To raise awareness, The Headache Alliance and the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy transformed the National Mall into a sea of purple, with a visual display representing the need for greater federal attention and public awareness for the tens of millions of Americans living with migraine and headache disorders. The installation will remain on the Mall for two weeks.

“We are so thrilled and honored to bring our message to the National Mall,” said Annika Ehrlich, President of the Board of The Headache Alliance and Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy. “This represents two decades of planning and hard work to advance headache policy and advocacy.”

“We are putting a face, name, and voice to the lived experience of migraine and headache disorders,” said Julienne Verdi, Executive Director of The Headache Alliance and Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy. “With the anticipated introduction of the HEADACHE Act and this historic Installation project, we are demanding to be seen, heard, and taken seriously.”

The HEADACHE Act will be introduced in the coming weeks.

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